I've been thinking lately about how quickly my mouthguards wear out. I don't know if it's just me being extra rough with them or if they're genuinely not made to last long. I do martial arts a couple times a week, and it seems like every few months I'm noticing little tears or thinning spots. I've tried a few brands, some pricey, some cheaper, but it always seems to happen eventually.
Um...maybe it's because I'm clenching my jaw too hard during sparring? Or maybe I'm not storing them properly (I admit, sometimes I toss it in the gym bag and forget about it til next session...oops). Anyway, figured I'd throw a quick poll up here to see where everyone else stands:
How often do you replace your mouthguard?
- Every few months
- About once a year
- Only when it's literally falling apart
- Replace? You're supposed to replace them?? 😅
Be honest! Curious if I'm the only one going through these things like candy.
"maybe it's because I'm clenching my jaw too hard during sparring?"
You know, I've noticed the same issue. My dentist mentioned a custom-fitted mouthguard might help with the wear—has anyone tried those? Curious if they're worth the extra cost...
I've been using a custom-fitted mouthguard for about two years now, and honestly, it's made a noticeable difference. Before that, I had a generic one from the sports store, and it wore down pretty quickly—probably because, like you said:
"maybe it's because I'm clenching my jaw too hard during sparring?"
The custom one fits snugly, so I don't have to bite down as hard to keep it in place. It was pricier upfront, but considering how long it's lasted and how much more comfortable it is, I'd say it's been worth it.
I've been thinking about getting a custom one too, but the price tag always makes me hesitate. Right now, I'm using a generic one from the store, and honestly, it feels like I'm chewing through it every few months. Maybe I'm clenching harder than I realize? Curious though—did you notice any difference in jaw soreness or headaches after switching to the custom guard? That might help justify the cost for me...
I've noticed a lot of people underestimate how much jaw clenching can wear down mouthguards. Even if you're not consciously biting down hard, the stress from sparring can really add up over time. I had a patient who switched from a generic guard to a custom one and mentioned fewer headaches afterward—though everyone's different, so it's hard to say for sure. Storage definitely matters too...leaving it damp in a gym bag isn't ideal (guilty of that myself sometimes).
